Which Leadership Speaker? Choosing the Right Keynote Speaker for Your Company Conference
As an event organiser, it’s an important decision to get right, the choice of leadership speaker for your event.
Get it right and it sets the tone not just for the event, but for the whole year ahead.
Get it wrong and the best case is you’ve missed a big opportunity, worst case, you’ve sent your team off in the wrong direction.
As someone who spends their working life speaking at kick off conferences on the subject of leadership, I not only get to speak to a large number of event organisers, I’ve also been able to get a pretty good handle on how to make your event a success that leaves people fired up and ready for the year ahead with real tangible takeaways and thought provoking ideas.
Setting the Scene
Your conference will be a critical aspect of your company's growth and development with a unique opportunity for your team to come together and exchange ideas, knowledge, experiences, and to set the tone for the year ahead.
One of the pivotal elements that can make or break a conference is the choice of a keynote speaker. A dynamic and influential leadership speaker can set the tone for the entire event, inspiring and motivating attendees. However, with the abundance of leadership speakers available, how do you as one of the event organisers make the right choice?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some key considerations and strategies to help you select the best leadership speaker for your company conference.
The Importance of a Keynote Speaker
A keynote speaker serves as the focal point of your conference. They are the ones who can set the agenda, inspire the audience, and leave a lasting impression. Here's why choosing the right leadership speaker is crucial:
1. Setting the Tone
The keynote speaker's message, style, and presence will shape the overall atmosphere of your conference. Whether you're aiming for a motivational, educational, or entertaining tone, your choice of speaker will determine it.
2. Inspiring and Motivating
Great leadership speakers have the power to ignite enthusiasm, boost morale, and encourage attendees to strive for excellence. Their stories and insights can motivate your team to perform at their best.
3. Imparting Knowledge
Leadership speakers are often experts in their fields. They can provide valuable insights, share industry trends, and offer practical advice that attendees can apply to their work.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Leadership Speaker
Selecting the right leadership speaker for your company conference is a process. To ensure that your choice aligns with your event's goals and audience, consider the following factors:
1. Event Objectives
Before you begin your search for a leadership speaker, clarify the objectives of your conference. Are you aiming to educate, motivate, entertain, or a combination of these? Knowing your event's purpose will help you narrow down your choices. Finding a speaker whose core theme matches the theme that’s important to you is half the battle.
2. Audience Demographics
Understanding your audience is key to selecting the right speaker. Consider factors like age, industry experience, job roles, and interests. A speaker who resonates with your audience is more likely to leave a lasting impact.
3. Budget
Determine your conference budget early in the planning process. High-profile speakers often come with a higher price tag, so it's crucial to align your choice with your financial constraints. Keep in mind that some speakers may be willing to negotiate their fees.
4. Expertise and Relevance
Look for speakers who have expertise in your industry or can speak to topics relevant to your audience. They should be able to provide insights and knowledge that align with your conference's theme.
5. Style and Delivery
““When selecting a leadership keynote speaker, we prioritise authenticity. We want someone who shares real-life experiences and stories of overcoming challenges. Authenticity fosters a deeper connection with our team.””
Consider the speaking style and delivery of potential speakers. Do you want someone who delivers a formal presentation, engages in interactive discussions, or uses humor to connect with the audience? The style should match your event's tone.
6. Reputation and Credibility
Research the potential speakers' reputations and credibility. Check their past speaking engagements, testimonials, and any relevant awards or recognitions. A speaker with a strong track record is more likely to leave a positive impression.
7. Availability and Schedule
Ensure that the speaker you choose is available on the dates of your conference. Popular speakers may have busy schedules, so it's advisable to book well in advance to secure their presence.
8. Logistics and Support
Consider the logistics involved in hosting the speaker. Do they have specific technical requirements? Will they require additional support or resources? Make sure you can meet their needs to ensure a smooth presentation.
Types of Leadership Speakers
Leadership speakers come in various categories, each offering a unique perspective and expertise. Here are some common types of leadership speakers you might consider for your conference:
1. Industry Experts
These speakers have a deep understanding of your specific industry. They can provide valuable insights, share industry trends, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing your audience.
2. Motivational Speakers
Motivational speakers excel at inspiring audiences. They often share personal stories of triumph over adversity, providing attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
3. Thought Leaders
Thought leaders are known for their groundbreaking ideas and innovative thinking. They can challenge the status quo, spark discussions, and encourage attendees to think differently about their work.
4. Celebrity Speakers
Celebrity speakers can add a touch of glamour and excitement to your conference. While they may not always have industry-specific expertise, their star power can attract a larger audience.
5. Author/Speaker
Many authors are also captivating speakers. They can delve into the ideas and concepts presented in their books, offering attendees a deeper understanding of their subject matter.
Conducting Speaker Research
Once you've defined your event's objectives and considered the factors mentioned above, it's time to start your research. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect leadership speaker:
1. Create a List of Potential Speakers
Begin by compiling a list of potential speakers who align with your event's goals and audience. You can use various resources for this, including:
Speaker Bureaus: These agencies specialize in representing speakers and can provide a curated list of candidates.
Online Directories: Websites like SpeakerHub and eSpeakers can offer comprehensive databases of speakers.
Recommendations: Ask colleagues, industry peers, and attendees for speaker recommendations.
2. Review Speaker Materials
Once you have a list of potential speakers, review their materials, including:
Speaker Websites: Visit their websites to access information about their speaking topics, videos of past presentations, testimonials, and contact details.
Social Media: Check their social media profiles to gauge their online presence and engagement with their audience.
Published Works: If applicable, read their books, articles, or blog posts to get a sense of their expertise and style.
3. Check Availability and Fees
Contact the speakers on your list to inquire about their availability on your conference dates and their speaking fees. Be prepared to negotiate and discuss any additional expenses, such as travel and accommodation.
4. Evaluate Past Engagements
“We look for a leadership keynote speaker who not only brings expertise but also has the ability to inspire our audience. It’s about finding someone who can impart practical knowledge while leaving attendees motivated to take action.”
Look for information about the speaker's past engagements. Did they receive positive feedback? Were they well-received by similar audiences? Testimonials and reviews from previous events can provide valuable insights.
5. Consider Virtual vs. In-Person
Depending on your conference format, you may need to decide whether you want a speaker to appear in person or virtually. Virtual speakers can be more cost-effective and flexible but may require different technical arrangements.
6. Seek Input
Don't make the decision in isolation. Involve your team, colleagues, or even potential attendees in the decision-making process. Their input and perspectives can help you make an informed choice.
Assessing Speaker Fit
After conducting thorough research, it's time to assess the fit between the potential speakers and your conference. Consider the following questions:
1. Does the Speaker Align with Your Objectives?
Ensure that the speaker's message and expertise align with the objectives of your conference. Their content should be relevant and valuable to your audience.
2. Will They Connect with Your Audience?
Consider whether the speaker's style, delivery, and personality will resonate with your audience. A speaker who can establish a connection is more likely to leave a lasting impression.
3. Can They Adapt to Your Theme?
If your conference has a specific theme or focus, discuss with the speaker how they can tailor their presentation to align with that theme.
4. Are They Flexible and Easy to Work With?
Communication and collaboration are essential. Choose a speaker who is responsive, flexible, and willing to work closely with your event team to ensure a smooth experience.
5. Can You Afford Their Fee?
Evaluate whether the speaker's fee fits within your conference budget. Be transparent about your financial constraints and negotiate if necessary.
6. What Added Value Do They Bring?
Consider any additional benefits the speaker can bring to your conference. This could include the potential for media coverage, networking opportunities, or post-conference engagement.
Making the Final Decision
Once you've assessed the fit of potential speakers, it's time to make your final decision. Consider all the information you've gathered and weigh the pros and cons of each candidate. Here are some tips for making the right choice:
1. Prioritize Fit Over Fame
While a famous speaker can draw attention, it's more important that the speaker aligns with your conference objectives and resonates with your audience.
2. Negotiate the Best Deal
Don't be afraid to negotiate the speaker's fee and other expenses. Many speakers are open to discussing terms to secure the booking.
3. Get a Signed Agreement
Once you've selected your speaker, formalize the agreement with a contract that outlines all details, including fees, logistics, and expectations.
4. Communicate Effectively
Maintain open lines of communication with the speaker leading up to the conference. Ensure they have all the information they need to prepare for their presentation.
Promoting Your Leadership Speaker
After you've secured your leadership speaker, it's essential to promote their presence at your conference effectively. Here are some strategies to maximize the impact of your speaker:
1. Build Anticipation
Create a buzz around your speaker's appearance by sharing teasers, interviews, and sneak peeks of their presentation content in the lead-up to the conference.
2. Highlight Their Expertise
Emphasize the speaker's credentials, achievements, and the unique insights they will bring to the event in your promotional materials.
3. Engage Attendees
Encourage attendees to submit questions or topics they'd like the speaker to address during their presentation. This engagement can make the session more interactive and tailored to the audience's interests.
4. Utilize Social Media
Leverage social media platforms to promote your speaker and create event-specific hashtags. Encourage attendees to share their excitement and insights during the conference.
5. Offer Post-Event Content
Consider recording the speaker's presentation and making it available to attendees after the conference. This can provide additional value and extend the impact of the speaker's message.
Conclusion
Choosing the right leadership speaker for your company conference is a crucial decision that can significantly impact the success of your event. By carefully considering your event objectives, audience demographics, budget, and speaker fit, you can make an informed choice that leaves a lasting impression on attendees.
Remember that a great leadership speaker is not just someone who delivers a compelling speech but also someone who inspires, educates, and connects with your audience. With the right speaker, your conference can become a transformative experience that motivates and empowers your team to reach new heights of success.